I feel for you but...

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Home : 2004 : October : 8

I feel for you but...
By Dawn

I understand that this has hurt your professional pride and probably hurt your feelings as well, and I can understand your desire to fight against the gossipers.

BUT, I can't help but think that if I were faced with this
situation, I'd be glad to get rid of these obnoxious rumor-mongering parents. Let them go to another teacher! You won't have to deal with them all year. Yippee!
But you asked for advice about meeting with her. I would never let on that you know about the rumors--by following this approach, she is put into the position of having to admit to listening to rumors about you.
Here's

how I would play it: In the meeting, I would open my eyes really wide and say, "I am just baffled by your request to move Suzie to another class. She is doing so well in my classroom. What exactly do you object to about her experience so far this year?"

I'm betting she will hem and haw and try to avoid saying that she heard stuff from other parents in previous years. Keep asking her for specifics... like "But what experience are you referring to?" and "Really, do you remember what day that happened?"

The key when you ask these questions is to remain totally perplexed and innocent. Don't act defensive or cross-examine her like Perry Mason. If you play it this way, you force her to either repeat the rumors to you in front of the princial, make up stuff, or back down.

This is the approach that would work for me. You're fortunate that your principal will back you up. I hope things turn out the way you want them to.